Save to Pinterest A festive, savory pull-apart bread shaped like antlers, filled with creamy spinach dip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or themed parties.
This cozy chicken stew has become a family favorite on cold nights. I first served this at a holiday dinner, and it was an instant hit.
Ingredients
- Bread Dough: 500 g all-purpose flour, 1 packet (7 g) instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 250 ml warm water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Spinach Dip: 200 g frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, 200 g cream cheese, softened, 100 g sour cream, 60 g grated Parmesan cheese, 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Decoration (optional): Cherry tomatoes or olives (for eyes/nose)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Dough:
- a. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. b. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. c. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth. d. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Spinach Dip:
- a. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and nutmeg. b. Stir in the chopped spinach until well combined. Set aside.
- Shape the Antler Ring:
- a. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. b. Punch down the risen dough and divide into two portions: one for the head/ring, one for the antlers. c. Roll the larger portion into a thick rope and shape into a ring (about 22 cm diameter). Place on the baking sheet. d. Cut and shape the second portion into antlers (long, branched shapes) and attach securely to the ring. e. Carefully cut a slit along the top of the ring (not all the way through) and gently fill with the spinach dip.
- Bake:
- a. Brush dough with beaten egg for a golden finish. b. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bread is golden and cooked through, and dip is bubbling.
- Decorate (optional):
- a. Place cherry tomatoes or olives as eyes and a nose to complete the reindeer look.
- Serve warm:
- Guests can pull apart the bread and dip as they go!
Save to Pinterest Serving this during holiday gatherings always brings everyone closer as they pull apart the bread and share stories.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Rolling pin, Pastry brush, Mixing spoons
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat flour), dairy (cheese, cream cheese, sour cream), and egg. Check all labels if serving to guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 11 g per serving
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This festive bread is sure to impress guests, combining fun presentation with delicious flavor.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of dough is used for this antler bread?
The dough is a yeast-based bread made with all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and olive oil, resulting in a soft and golden crust.
- → How is the spinach filling prepared?
The filling combines thawed spinach with cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and spices for a rich, creamy texture and savory flavor.
- → Can I use store-bought dough for convenience?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough can be used as a shortcut while maintaining the festive shape and delicious filling.
- → What temperature and time are needed for baking?
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread turns golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- → Are there options to customize the filling?
You can enhance the filling by adding cooked bacon bits or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.
- → How to decorate the bread to resemble reindeer?
Use cherry tomatoes or olives to create 'eyes' and a 'nose,' adding a playful finishing touch to the presentation.